Progress Continues on Alfred Wright Boulevard

IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, August 28, 2008 - Progress on the Alfred Wright Boulevard project is moving along nicely. Yesterday, the crews of asphalt subcontractor Angelo Lupino Construction began laying down the first layer of blacktop. The general contractor for the project is Ross Peterson Construction. The concrete work was done by Ruotsala Construction.

Judging by the photos that accompany this article, the boulevard that was once one of the worst streets in town is going to be vastly improved.

Below is a timeline, based on City Commission meeting minutes, that shows how this project developed:

March 20, 2006 - Local resident Bill Tregembo addressed the City Commission stating that the boulevard was "beyond repair." At that time, he was told that there were no plans to address the issues with the street's surface or the antiquated infrastructure underneath.
December 11, 2006 - The City Commission approved the application of an MDOT Small Urban Program grant to make the needed improvements to one of the City's busiest thoroughfares.
February 12, 2007 - The Commission authorized then Community Development Director Pat Merrill to submit a funding request for the Alfred Wright Boulevard reconstruction project through the Local Jobs Today Program.
March 26, 2007 - Commissioner Toth asked for an update on the project. City Manager Scott Erickson informed the City Commission the funding was set for 2009 from MDOT and City Staff will be working to get it earlier.
April 09, 2007 - Former Commissioner Koivisto questioned if there was a possibility the City of Ironwood could pay for the Alfred Wright Boulevard Project out of the fund balance and get reimbursed at a later date when the grant becomes available. Manager Erickson noted if the City of Ironwood is successful with the Local Jobs Today Program the project could be moved up to 2008.
June 25, 2007 - City Manager Scott Erickson addressed the City Commission informing them that the City of Ironwood was successful in obtaining additional funding for the project through the Local Jobs Today funding in the amount of an additional $93,000 to help with the project costs. According to Commission meeting minutes, "The project would be scheduled for construction in 2007-08." A motion was made by former Commissioner Dan Adams, supported by Commissioner Toth and carried to authorize a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Survey and Design of Alfred Wright Boulevard from McLeod Avenue to Lime Street.
August 13, 2007 - City Manager Scott Erickson addressed the City Commission recommending to them to only award the professional service agreement for the initial survey and design of the project. He further recommended the staking/inspection and MDOT reporting service be evaluated separately after the design has been completed. A motion was made Commissioner Toth, seconded by former Commissioner Michael Key to award the professional service agreement for the data collection and design services work to the lowest bidder U.P. Engineering in the amount of $26,720.00 upon the recommendation of the City Manager Scott Erickson. The motion was unanimously passed by the Commission.
January 28, 2008 - A motion was made by Commissioner Laabs, seconded by Commissioner Lamb to authorize Submittal of Local Jobs Today Loan Application Form in the amount of $375,000 at 4% interest for the project. The motion was unanimously passed by roll call vote.
February 25, 2008 - Erickson informed the Commission that project was submitted to MDOT for bidding purposes.
March 24, 2008 - The Commission approved a resolution entering the City into a loan contract with MDOT under the Local Jobs Today Program for the reconstruction work along the boulevard. They also approved a resolution entering the City into an advance construction contract with MDOT for the reconstruction work.
April 8, 2008 - A public informational meeting was held at the Memorial Building to review the project with the neighborhood and community.
April 14, 2008 - City Manager Erickson informed the Commission that the project was moving forward. MDOT had recently opened bids and the low bidder was Ross Peterson Construction with Ruotsala Concrete being a subcontractor. He told the Commission that the project would begin after school ends and would be completed before school begins. He reminded the Commission that a neighborhood meeting was held on April 8th, with several questions being asked.
April 28, 2008 - Erickson reported to the Commission that a MDOT meeting was to be held on Tuesday, May 6th and that the power company had begun moving some power poles along the boulevard.
June 9, 2008 - Erickson told the Commission that construction of the project had begun.
July 28, 2008 - Erickson reported that the Alfred Wright Boulevard project was moving along and the underground utility work was to be essentially completed by week's end.